More U.S. companies are looking to near-shore or re-shore their manufacturing, whether it be in response to recent trends or to efficiently introduce new products to market. Other companies that haven't offshored– from growing startups to established product manufacturers with new parts manufacturing needs– are seeing the value in local manufacturing and foregoing opportunities to offshore their new production projects.

There are many benefits to manufacturing in the United States, whether that involves moving production that had previously been offshored, or starting new production programs in America.

While planning for future manufacturing projects, here are seven benefits of U.S. manufacturing to take into account:

U.S. manufacturing creates jobs

U.S. manufacturing creates jobs for Americans. Perhaps it sounds obvious, but there is no way to understate the value of any company that keeps its roots in the United States and hires U.S. citizens for fair and honest work. And while overseas manufacturing may ultimately result in a lower-priced end product, who will purchase that product if no one has a job?

U.S. manufacturing saves costs on deliveries

Overseas shipping can be exorbitantly expensive, while shipping within the United States is often quite reasonable, even for large shipments. Overseas shipping also creates a greater room for error, misunderstanding, delays, and problems.

Domestic shipments arrive more quickly

The sheer difference in the distance a product must travel to get from any destination in the United States, versus the distance it must travel from Indian or China can make a difference of weeks at times. Faster shipping means faster delivery, which means more rapid sales.

Sourcing goods locally is better for the environment

There is no question that in comparison to overseas shipments by plane or by boat, an inter-state UPS or Fed Ex shipment places a much lighter burden on natural resources. In addition, a bustling manufacturing industry within the United States keeps more Americans working hard and earning money shipping, delivering, and receiving those goods.

U.S. manufacturers are held to a higher standard of safety and quality control

Safety is perhaps one of the most significant benefits of manufacturing in the U.S. versus overseas. While it may seem a distant concern to some, the welfare of overseas workers is often placed in jeopardy. American regulations keep standards in place to ensure the safety of employees. Additionally, products themselves are often much safer when produced within the United States. Consider how many children's toys made overseas have seen product recalls when they have been found to be toxic or unsafe.

U.S. manufacturers provide U.S. customer service

In this day and age of automated phone systems and overseas technical support, local, American service can be difficult to find but priceless to receive. There is no substitution within the world of customer service for speaking with a human being who can understand the situation and is knowledgeable and motivated enough to correct it. Overseas service, due to its separation from the manufacturer itself, is simply unable to provide the same level of personalized service.

U.S. manufacturers pay U.S. taxes

In the United States, taxes subsidize everything from our roads to our water supply to our schools to our national defense. No one enjoys paying taxes, but we all benefit from the benefits of those taxes. Keeping American manufacturers in business in America can only benefit every citizen.

Ultimately, the benefits of manufacturing in the U.S. versus overseas far outweigh the lower costs that may result from overseas manufacturing. Supporting American manufacturers supports us all.